If Northern cuisine emphasizes refinement and elaboration, and Central cuisine is rich in flavor, Southern Vietnamese culinary culture carries a unique simplicity and rustic charm. The “Seasonal” Style of Southern Cuisine In the South, rivers rich in alluvium and networks of canals and streams make seafood abundant year-round. Shrimp, fish, crab, and other freshwater delicacies […]
Lưu trữ của tác giả: hongminh
In Southern Vietnam, Canh Khổ Qua is a staple of the Tết feast. Its name, combining “khổ” (hardship) and “qua” (to overcome), reflects the hope that all struggles of the past year will be left behind, embodies resilience and the wish for a prosperous year ahead. Each year, families carefully select the finest bitter melons […]
Bánh bột lọc originates from Huế, the capital of the Nguyễn dynasty, and is closely associated with royal cuisine. This dish is believed to have existed for hundreds of years, initially served to kings and the nobility, showcasing a refined and meticulous approach to cooking. Today, bánh bột lọc has become a culinary symbol of […]
Another popular choice for hot summer days besides canh cua rau đay, or minced crab soup with jute leaves, is canh rau ngót linh xương, or star gooseberry leaf soup with pork ribs. My grandparents have a small garden where they grow star gooseberry leaf and every summer, I will go out to help them […]
Mì Quảng, or Quan noodles, is a famous dish from Quảng Nam province in Central Vietnam, with a history dating back over 400 years. According to researcher Tôn Thất Hướng, Mì Quảng first appeared around the 16th century as a result of the culinary exchange between the Vietnamese and the Cham communities. Over time, the […]
When the flooding season arrives in the Mekong Delta, it brings with it one of the region’s most well-known dishes: Canh chua cá Linh, or Linh fish and Sesbania flower soup. During this time, Linh fish—a type of fish of the carp family, originating from Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake—migrate downstream, offering a fresh and plentiful […]
Bún Mắm, or Fermented Fish Noodle Soup is one of the signature dishes of the people of Central Vietnam, a region where people’s lifestyle is closely intertwined with rivers. It is distinguished by its rich variety of toppings. The broth embodies the the river, while the fish, shrimp, and meats reflect the abundance of nature. […]
If you ask any Vietnamese child what their favorite dish is, chances are you’ll hear sườn xào chua ngọt, or sweet and sour pork ribs, come up again and again. It’s one of the most popular dishes in Vietnamese home cooking, winning over taste buds of all ages. When I was little, I BEGGED my […]
Khoai mỡ, or taro, originates from Southeast Asia and later spread across much of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. In Vietnam, taro is widely cultivated across many regions, particularly in the provinces of the Mekong Delta, where this soup also originated. Taro has been an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine, recognized as […]
Kho quẹt is a beloved dish in Central Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta. It’s part of the larger family of “kho” dishes, traditional Vietnamese braises that come in many forms, like kho tộ (clay pot braise), kho tàu (Chinese-style braise), and kho lạt (mildly seasoned braise). What makes kho quẹt stand out is its […]
No Vietnamese New Year’s feast in the North would be complete without a dish of Thịt Đông, or jellied meat. It’s the only dish in Northern Vietnamese cuisine that has the “frozen” form. And interestingly, its creation was said to be a complete accident. Legend has it that long ago, during the harsh northern winter, […]
It’s not hard to spot nộm đu đủ, or green papaya salad, in a traditional Vietnamese New Year’s feast. With its crisp texture and refreshing flavor, this dish brings perfect balance to rich meaty festive foods like thịt mỡ (Braised pork belly) and bánh chưng (Square sticky rice cake). For its ersatile and light nature, […]
Central Vietnam, the heart of the country, is not naturally blessed with fertile soil or a favorable climate. Arable land is scarce, and the region often faces harsh weather, from scorching heat to relentless storms. Yet, the Central people have cultivated a distinctive and vibrant culinary identity. Central Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its bold […]
Whenever winter comes, this is the dish I crave the most. A bowl full of warmth and nostalgia. I’ve tried numerous recipes online, and I still like my grandpa’s recipe the most. It reminds me of cold winter evening sitting around the table with my family and savoring the delicious soup together. The pumpkin is […]
Rau muống xào tỏi, or Stir-fried water spinach with garlic, is one of those dishes that every Vietnamese person has grown up with. Simple yet irresistible, it’s a classic on nearly every family dining table. Despite its simple ingredients, the dish perfectly captures the essence of Vietnamese cuisine: fresh, flavorful, and full of soul. Fun […]
When it comes to Vietnamese noodle dishes, Bánh canh ghẹ, or Crab thich noodle soup, is certainly one that cannot be overlooked. The dish has many regional variations across the country, but for me, I prefer the Southern style version, which has a slightly sweeter flavor. Ingredients: Live crabs: 3 Tapioca flour: 1.5 bowls Rice […]
The Northern culinary style is known for its moderation, elegance, and attention to natural flavors, making it quite different from the bolder, spicier tastes of The Central and Southern. Subtle Yet Flavorful Seasoning One of the most notable features of Northern cuisine is that dishes are lightly seasoned. While Northern cuisine also emphasises the use […]
This is one of my all-time comfort foods. Fun fact: it’s also my younger brother’s favorites. Nothing beats some freshly made hot đậu phụ sốt cà chua served with a bowl of rice. It’s quick and easy to make, vegan-friendly, and a simple yet nutritious dish that has become a staple of many Vietnamese family […]
A dish that often accompanies bitter melon soup (canh khổ qua) in a Tet feast of the South is Braised pork with duck eggs (Thịt kho hột vịt). This dish, together with Canh khổ qua (Bitter melon soup), is not only a regional culinary specialty but also carries deep cultural and spiritual significance in the […]
When people think of the Southern region of Vietnam, they often imagine a vast network of rivers, canals, and streams teeming with a wide variety of freshwater products. The abundance of fish, shrimp, and crabs has naturally shaped the rich and diverse culinary culture of the South. Even a simple ingredient like fish can be […]
Bánh đa cua is a speciality of Hải Phòng, one of Vietnam’s largest port cities. A bowl of bánh đa cua is a harmony of colors and flavors: the reddish-brown noodles blend into the golden, glossy broth, rich with natural sweetness. Fragrant crab meat, buttery crab roe, crispy pork cracklings, and golden fried shallots come […]
Every summer in Vietnam, families’ meals are incomplete without a bowl of Canh cua rau đay, or minced crab soup with jute leaves. Simple yet flavorful, this soup has been a staple of Vietnamese home cooking for generations. The sweetness of field crab broth blends harmoniously with the freshness of summer vegetables like luffa, Malabar […]





















